Newborn found dumped in Port Shepstone
More places of safety are required in communities for mothers who want to abandon their newborn baby or even a toddler.
A security guard, patrolling Jan Smuts Road in Port Shepstone on Monday this week found an infant abandoned on the side of the road. Police were contacted and the baby girl was taken to Port Shepstone Regional Hospital.
ALSO READ : ‘Lazer Boy’ is doing well
Police spokesman, Sergeant Sibu Ncane said a case of child abandonment was opened at Port Shepstone police station after which the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) will investigate the case. No arrests have been made.
Spokesman for Child Welfare, South Africa Port Shepstone said one of the reasons that lead to women abandoning their newborns was fear. “Many come from impoverished homes and generally have children already in their care. The fear of having another child to take care and the lack or no support from the biological father pressurises them to make certain decisions,” said PRO Carol Meth.
“Women are often raped resulting in pregnancy or have extra-marital affairs that go wrong. A woman could fear the man will leave her should he find out she is having a baby. Sometimes the married man pressurises the woman into having an abortion. Due to the shame and guilt, many resort to ‘back street’ abortions which are sometimes not successful,” said Mrs Meth.
When the mother gets caught a case of child abandonment and attempted murder is opened. The mother is sometimes referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist by the courts.
Not many cases result in imprisonment. The child is taken away, depending on the outcome of the investigation and a decision will be made by the courts regarding the mother’s access to the child.
She said the names of mothers who had abandoned their children could be added to the Child Protection register, preventing the mother from caring for and working with children.
Child Welfare believes that more places of safety are required in communities for mothers who want to abandon their newborn baby or toddler. “This way the child is protected and cared for and the mothers can remain anonymous with no charges opened against them,” said Mrs Meth.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
